Kissing Couple Fall From Lady Brisbane Cruise Ship

A 23-year-old Irishman missing in the Brisbane River was kissing his companion when they fell from a cruise vessel last night, according to the boat company. The man was celebrating a birthday when he fell from the Lady Brisbane with his 26-year-old female companion, about 10.25pm (AEST) near the Hale Street Link at Milton. The woman was quickly rescued but the man, who could not swim, did not surface. Jim Kelly, from Brisbane Cruises, said he held grave fears for the man's safety.”The girl came up straight away but there was no sign of the gentleman unfortunately,” he said. ”We're still hopeful and police are still searching.” The pair had shared a romantic moment before they fell, he said. ”There was some sort of romantic involvement, bit of kissing and smooching at once stage,” Mr Kelly said. A search by water police, a coast guard vessel and a rescue helicopter was quickly under way.